Memphis is considered one of the fastest-growing cities in America for entrepreneurship, especially among women and other minorities. You’ll find that the city offers entrepreneur-friendly programs and incentives to further boost this trend, which contributed to Memphis being named one of the […]

Back in 2014, CNN ranked Memphis among the best cities in America in which to launch a startup. A year later, Inc. called Memphis “the edgiest startup hub in the U.S.,” and time has proven them both right. An entrepreneurial spirit has always been a big part of what makes Memphis […]

To thrive in today’s robust and competitive economy, startups need opportunity, plentiful resources and creativity. Memphis is one of the few cities in the country where this attractive combination is astonishingly easy to come by.

As the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, the home of the blues and the BBQ capital of the world, Memphis was practically made to promote competitive startups in multiple industries. Our residents are brought up with a creative mindset and an ability to think outside the box, so it’s no wonder many up-and-coming entrepreneurs hail from Memphis.

There’s no end in sight to the startup boom in Memphis

Did you know Memphis is considered the epicenter of the Maker Movement? This thriving group of entrepreneurs, musicians, inventors and artists use items others have cast aside to create new music, arts and crafts, products, jewelry and more. Makers are essentially entrepreneurs who have the ability to build upon what already exists to create a new and useful end product.

Needless to say, this ability doesn’t come from just anywhere, which is where our city comes into play. Memphis provides an environment in which makers are both inspired and driven to use their talents to improve the lives of local residents and beyond.

Music technology

Every beat in Memphis vibrates in tandem with the dreams, innovations and ambitions of upcoming musical entrepreneurs. With demand fueled by Sun Studio, Royal Studios and Stax Records, music technology is a big deal in Memphis—and startups are leading the charge in everything from digital audio workstations to metadata improvements.

Medical and biotech

Medical technology is also booming in Memphis. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital calls our city home, which serves as a powerful draw for startups bringing new solutions to the fight against childhood cancer. Zeroto510, a first-of-its-kind medical device startup accelerator that helps med tech entrepreneurs get their products to market quickly, has launched 25 companies in the past five years with over $12 million of investment funding. And the Memphis Bioworks Foundation is providing free med tech education while creating new enterprises focused on bioscience and sustainability.

Agricultural tech

Unbeknownst to some, Memphis is a leader in the agritech space. A perfect example is The Seam, which was founded by leading global agribusiness companies and specializes in commodity trading and management systems. In December 2000, it began operating the world’s first completely online, anonymous exchange for cotton trading. Since that time, the company has leveraged its software and application development expertise in agriculture to expand into other commodity segments, including peanuts, grains and dairy. Big names are taking note of Memphis’ agritech entrepreneurs – Ashton Kutcher funded the agricultural technology startup Cowlar, which makes smart collars for cows to improve herd health and optimize operations. Meanwhile, Skycision, a startup launched by the Memphis Bioworks Foundation’s Ag Innovation Development Group, uses drones to help farmers take better care of their crops.

Memphis invests in entrepreneurs

Startup growth and entrepreneurial development cannot take place in a vacuum—rather, a fledgling business must be nurtured toward success through a combination of consistent funding and abundant opportunities. One of the things that make Memphis such a startup haven is its commitment to investing in entrepreneurs.

Outsiders who associate our city solely with Beale Street, the blues and tasty ribs may not see what takes place behind the scenes: a commitment to innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship that facilitates the growth of enterprises focused not only on music and food, but just about anything else you can think of. For evidence, look no further than Start Co., a Memphis company that strives to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with access to mentors, facilities and investors.

Start Co. also offers accommodations to visiting entrepreneurs in the form of furnished apartments at the historic downtown Exchange Building, which is located right in the heart of the action.

Memphis startups in action

If you’re seeking actual, practical examples of startups in Memphis that define the innovator movement, you don’t need to look far. Musicians are bound to be inspired by Crown Vox’s dark soul-pop sound, while fashion mavens will love Samilia Colar’s uniquely handcrafted handbags for men, women and children. As for entrepreneurs, there’s no better inspiration than Moziah “Mo” Bridges, who signed a licensing deal with the NBA after being featured on ABC’s “Shark Tank.”

Memphis movers and makers are everywhere

You don’t have to look hard to find innovators in Memphis—they’re everywhere. Here’s a look at some of the hottest:

Start-ups

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